Do you need an architect to inspect a property before selling?

No, an architect is not legally required simply to sell a property in Wallonia. An architect becomes compulsory only for certain works, such as new construction or a habitable extension under Annexe 4. For selling, the compulsory checks are the EPC (PEB), electrical and soil certificates (CoDT, 2026).

There is a common confusion between the certificates you must produce to sell and the professionals the law requires for building works. Selling itself does not trigger an architect obligation.

The compulsory pre-sale checks are diagnostic, not architectural: the EPC (PEB) energy certificate valid 10 years (SPW Energie, 2026), the electrical compliance certificate (CE), and the certified BDES soil extract (wallonie.be, 2026), plus the fuel oil tank plate where relevant. None of these needs an architect; they are produced by accredited certifiers and approved inspection bodies.

Where an architect is genuinely required is for works. The 1939 law on the architect’s profession makes an architect’s involvement compulsory for projects listed in Annexe 4, such as new construction, a habitable extension or a change of use, while minor works in Annexe 6 need none (fautilunpermis.be, 2026). So if you plan to regularise an unpermitted extension before selling, an architect will usually sign that retrospective permit.

The counter-intuitive value: even when no architect is legally required, hiring one voluntarily can pay for itself. An architect or surveyor can reconcile the built reality with the authorised plans, confirm surfaces and spot a latent planning problem before a buyer’s notary does, turning a potential deal-breaker into a managed detail. Easyhome tells you honestly when a technical inspection is worth it and arranges the right professional.

At a glance